The True Story of Ah Q

Summary

The True Story of Ah Q by Lu Xun is a satirical novella set in rural China during the early 20th century. It tells the story of Ah Q, a nameless peasant who embodies the negative aspects of Chinese society at the time. Ah Q is a man of low social status, uneducated, and prone to self-deception. He is also a bully to those weaker than him, while at the same time being a coward to those stronger. Ah Q's life is a series of failures and humiliations, but he manages to maintain a positive self-image through a process of mental gymnastics. He is known for his "moral victories," where he convinces himself that he has won even when he has clearly lost.

The story follows Ah Q through his various misadventures, including his attempts to woo women, his encounters with the wealthy landowners, and his run-ins with the law. Ah Q's life takes a turn when he becomes involved in the Xinhai Revolution. He initially supports the revolution in the hopes of gaining power and status. However, he is ultimately rejected by the revolutionaries and ends up being arrested and executed for a crime he did not commit.

Throughout the story, Lu Xun critiques the traditional values and customs of Chinese society, such as the emphasis on face-saving, the acceptance of social hierarchy, and the prevalence of ignorance and superstition. Ah Q's character serves as a symbol of the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation. His tragic fate highlights the need for a true revolution that will not only overthrow the existing political order but also transform the minds and hearts of the people. 

Discussion questions

1. Ah Q constantly puts down others to feel better about himself. Have you ever met anyone like this? Do you think this is a particularly Chinese trait, or is it something we see in people everywhere?      

2. The story is set in China in the early 1900s, a time of revolution and upheaval. How does the setting influence Ah Q's fate? What might have happened to him if he lived in a different time or place?      

3. Lu Xun uses satire to criticise Chinese society. What do you think he's trying to say about China? Are any of his criticisms still relevant today, in China or even in Japan?